Orchid of the day: Cattleya cernua

Cattleya cernua (formerly Sophronitis cernua)

Our Cattleya cernua, formerly called Sophronitis cernua,  bloomed late last year and I featured this orchid in our first post for 2017, on January 7th. What a way to conclude the year with the same 'Christmas orchid'. This miniature orchid, originates from the Minas Gerais region in Brazil with bright orange-red flowers that can be a little larger than an inch (up to 3 cm). 

Most true orchid lovers know Cattleya cernua as Sophronitis cernua. The species that were formerly in the genus Sophronitis are mostly cool to cold growing orchids and growers of temperate and warm growing orchids tend to exclude this group from their collections. C. cernua, however, is a warm grower that is easily cared for if sufficient light is provided.  It should definitely be mounted as long as it receives water regularly. Because the roots like moist but airy conditions, Arne decided to inoculate the mount with Spanish moss, which drapes the roots and prevents desiccation when the sun is strong.

A) Buds were appearing by late November and by December 10th, four flowers were in bloom.

B) This miniature orchid is a regular bloomer and produced at least eighteen flowers. Here we have Spanish moss growing on the same bark.

C) By December 22nd, most of the eighteen flowers had bloomed.

I must mentioned that our C. cernua won first place for miniature orchid at the Maryland Orchid Society meeting at the show table, on December 21st, 2017. We hope to take it for judging one day at the national level. Timing is crucial as  the flowering and date for the meeting must coincide.

D) A closer view of our C. cernua. Simply love the bright orange red hue. Very appropriate for Christmas.

D) This orchid has been in our care since 2008. A lovely specimen.

E) A lovely close up the flowers to end this post.

Until my next post,

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!